SIKH ORGANIZATIONS AND SIKH IDENTITY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This study aims to look into the phenomenon of Sikh identity in Singapore. Instead of relying solely on individual views, I am using Sikh organizations, both religious and ethnic, as significant units of analysis to analyse prevailing notions of Sikh identity. I begin my study by tracing the vicissitudes of Sikh identity from the early 1900s to the present day through the development of the Sikh organizations. Following that, I highlight the competing constructions of Sikh identity based upon religion, socio-cultural identities, transnational factors and state determined boundaries. Subsequently, in chapters 4 and 5, I specifically look into Sikh religious and ethnic (non-religious) organizations respectively, highlighting how they are involved in the production and projection of the Sikh identity image. I conclude in chapter 6 by observing the similarity in the manner in which Sikh individuals and Sikh organizations in articulating Sikh identity. Anyone interested in understanding the notions and nuances of Sikh identity should not overlook the endnotes and appendices in this study. They would offer rich and interesting insights to better aid our understanding of the Sikh identity, as I humbly hope the text too does.